“We want to break the mold of traditional city hotels and be a plaza where a wide variety of guests can gather and relax.” This was the hope and dream of Keio Plaza Hotel when it first opened, and it was reflected in the many unique events that the hotel has held throughout its history.
From the 1970s to the 1980s, the hotel held many surprising and creative events. One such event was the New Year’s Eve “Joya no Kane” (Buddhist temple bells) at the hotel’s rooftop poolside. The hotel constructed a bell tower and borrowed a bell from a temple for guests to ring. This event was very popular and continued for several years as a year-end tradition. Another event was on Children’s Day in 1973, when guests released balloons with flower and grass seeds attached from the 47th floor rooftop, creating a big buzz.
In 1982, during the Tyrol Fair, the hotel created a 25-meter long ski slope on the 4th floor terrace of the Main Tower and held a special ski lesson. This was a unique and innovative idea that only Keio Plaza Hotel could have come up with. Other events such as the skyscraper stair marathon and diving school in the sky pool helped establish the hotel’s image as a fun and approachable place, attracting new guests.
From pioneering events to introducing overseas cultures and sharing traditional Japanese culture, the hotel has always been a place where guests can create lasting memories and experience joy and excitement. The spirit of the “Plaza Ideology” continues to be passed down and cherished at Keio Plaza Hotel.
